AFTER having a Celtic title winner as his next-door neighbour, it’s little wonder Steven Mouyokolo is so keen to join the Parkhead family.

The French defender, who is due to sign a one-year deal with Neil Lennon’s side this week, has revealed how close friend Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink sold him on a move to Glasgow.

The pair lived next to each other during their time at Hull and Mouyokolo admits the Dutchman played a huge part in convincing him to join the Hoops on trial.

Vennegoor of Hesselink was a fans’ favourite at Celtic Park and scored the goal that clinched the 2008 title at Tannadice.

Now, on the back of his glowing recommendation, Mouyokolo will have the chance to sample life at Celtic for himself after agreeing a 12-month contract.

The former Wolves stopper has impressed enough on trial to earn a deal and is excited about the prospect of following in Vennegoor of Hesselink’s footsteps.

He made his debut in the friendly defeat by FC Sevastopol on Wednesday and insists it would be an honour to represent the Hoops on a permanent basis.

Mouyokolo said: “I really want to play for this club because it has a great history.

“I already knew all about Celtic because I played with Scottish players at Wolves such as Christophe Berra and Steven Fletcher. I also had Vennegoor of Hesselink as my next door neighbour when I was at Hull.

“We used to spend a lot of time together and Jan always spoke very highly of Celtic. He had great things to say about this club.

“He enjoyed living in Glasgow and told me all about it. Now I want to be part of that family. It’s more than a club, it’s an institution.”

The 26-year-old is now fit again after a serious knee injury he picked up during a loan spell at French side Sochaux.

Lennon insists Mouyokolo will join if there are no issues arising from his medical – and the stopper can’t wait to prove his worth.

He said: “After being out for so long I now realise how lucky I am just to be on a football pitch. So playing and doing well for Celtic is all I’m thinking about right now.

“I want to help the team and show I’m a good addition to the Celtic squad.”

Mouyokolo made his name in France before sealing a move to Premiership side Hull in 2009.

He switched to Wolves a year later but injury curtailed his time at Molineux and he eventually quit the club in January.

As well as Vennegoor of Hesselink, Mouyokolo is well aware of another Celtic cult hero – former stopper Bobo Balde.

But the Frenchman was quick to warn Hoops fans he’s not a clone of Balde, whom he affectionately labelled an “animal”.

Mouyokolo said: “In France, who doesn’t know Bobo? When I was younger I used to watch him play for Celtic at a really good level.

“I don’t think you can say I’m similar to Bobo. I’m not as strong as him – he was an animal.

“I wouldn’t say my style is the same as his but I do like the physical side of the game.

“I just need to work hard every day and justify my fitness to everyone. I have to get to know everyone and impress the boss.

“I cut my contract with Wolves in January even though I still had a year and a half left there.

“I did it so I could finish my rehab from the knee injury.

“I started the rehab in France and finished it in England but it was hard for me. Wolves wouldn’t let me work with my own doctor, physio and surgeon.

“That’s why I ended the contract, so I could have my team around me every day. It was a big risk but after completing 90 minutes for Celtic, I look back and think I made the right decision. Now I need to keep working to find my peak fitness and my tactical awareness.”

Mouyokolo was invited on trial by the Hoops at the end of the season and after just a week Lennon told him to return in June for more training at Lennoxtown.

After a closed-doors game against Crewe last week, the Parkhead gaffer opted to take Mouyokolo on the summer tour of Germany – and is now keen to tie him up.

The defender could be involved in the Champions League qualifier against Cliftonville later this month and admits it would be a dream to play in Europe’s elite competition.

He said: “We have three qualifiers to reach the group stage so we have to take it step by step. But every kid dreams about playing in the Champions League.

“I came here at the end of the season when I’d just finished my rehab and they didn’t know how I would be. But I had been working so hard with my fitness coach and they saw that I was fine.

“So they said they wanted me back on June 28. I was happy to do that and come to Germany.

“My priority is Celtic now as they has been great with me. By working hard, I can get back to my best.

“It was a hard game on Wednesday but when you’ve been out for such a long time you just enjoy it.

“I felt comfortable at the back with both Virgil van Dijk and Kelvin Wilson. I can have a good partnership with them.”